GSA’s OneGov Strategy Just Changed the Game for Small IT Resellers
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

GSA’s OneGov Strategy Just Changed the Game for Small IT Resellers

If you’re a small business VAR or IT integrator with federal contracts, the GSA’s new OneGov initiative should be on your radar—right now. This isn’t just another policy tweak. It’s a fundamental shake-up of how federal agencies will buy software and IT services moving forward, and the implications for small business resellers are huge.

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Texas Contractors Are Feeling the Heat: $863M in Cuts and What Comes Next
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

Texas Contractors Are Feeling the Heat: $863M in Cuts and What Comes Next

Federal budget politics just got real for small businesses in Texas. In the first half of 2025, more than $860 million in federal contracts and grants across the state have been canceled, and the ripple effects are already hammering local contractors—especially in San Antonio. If you're a small or disadvantaged business in the government procurement space, this is more than just a headline. It’s a wake-up call.

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SBA’s Contracting Assistance Programs: What Every Small Business Needs to Know in 2025
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

SBA’s Contracting Assistance Programs: What Every Small Business Needs to Know in 2025

If you’re a small business owner looking to grow through federal contracting, here’s the blunt truth: you’re leaving money on the table without an SBA certification. The federal government awarded over $176 billion to small businesses last year—and more than a third of that came through set-aside programs. Whether you’re a woman-owned business, located in a HUBZone, led by a disabled veteran, or socially disadvantaged, the right certification can turn a door into a pipeline.

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Budget Cuts, Big Risks: What Michigan’s K–12 Shake-Up Means for School Vendors
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

Budget Cuts, Big Risks: What Michigan’s K–12 Shake-Up Means for School Vendors

Michigan’s proposed 2025 K–12 education budget is making waves—and not in a good way for small business vendors. While lawmakers are increasing the per-pupil base to $10,025, they’re simultaneously gutting the very funding streams that support non-instructional service providers. Universal free school meals? Zeroed out. After-school programs? Slashed. DEI training and support services? Not only defunded but penalized.

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The DBE Program Faces a Courtroom Crossroads — What Contractors Need to Know Now
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

The DBE Program Faces a Courtroom Crossroads — What Contractors Need to Know Now

Big news is shaking up the world of federal transportation contracting — and if your business is DBE-certified, it’s time to take this seriously. In a major legal pivot, the Justice Department has moved to dismantle the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, a long-standing federal initiative that’s helped minority- and women-owned businesses secure billions in transportation contracts. The implications are immediate, far-reaching, and potentially precedent-setting for every firm navigating government procurement.

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When the Grant Well Dries Up: How SMBs in Texas and Michigan Can Bounce Back
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

When the Grant Well Dries Up: How SMBs in Texas and Michigan Can Bounce Back

It’s the kind of news no small business wants to wake up to: the grant you were counting on just got paused, defunded, or outright canceled. That’s exactly what’s happened to dozens of small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) in Texas and Michigan this year, where political shifts and federal budget freezes have gutted DEI, clean energy, and workforce-related funding.

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Who’s Got Your Back? The Most Small-Business-Friendly Federal Agencies in FY2025
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

Who’s Got Your Back? The Most Small-Business-Friendly Federal Agencies in FY2025

If you’re a small business chasing federal contracting dollars, it pays—literally—to know which agencies are most likely to award you a contract. Spoiler: not all federal buyers are created equal. Some go out of their way to engage and support small businesses through targeted set-asides, outreach, and accessible contracts. Others? Not so much.

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5 Proposal Mistakes That Are Costing You Federal Contracts (and How to Fix Them)
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

5 Proposal Mistakes That Are Costing You Federal Contracts (and How to Fix Them)

If you’ve ever poured hours—or weeks—into a government proposal only to walk away empty-handed, you’re not alone. Federal contracting is brutal in that way. The smallest misstep can knock you out of the running before evaluators even read your technical brilliance or see your competitive pricing. But here’s the good news: Most of these mistakes are 100% avoidable. Let’s walk through five of the most common proposal pitfalls small businesses make—and more importantly, how to sidestep them.

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AI in Federal Contracting Just Got Real—Here’s What Small Businesses Need to Do
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

AI in Federal Contracting Just Got Real—Here’s What Small Businesses Need to Do

AI is no longer a future concept in federal procurement—it’s here, and it’s rewriting the rulebook. Agencies like DoD, GSA, VA, and DHS are embedding artificial intelligence into every stage of the acquisition process. Whether it’s evaluating your proposal, doing market research, or issuing solicitations, there’s a good chance a machine is involved. For small businesses navigating government contracting opportunities, this shift has big implications—and even bigger opportunities.

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Entering Federal Contracting in 2025? Here’s the No-BS Guide Small Businesses Actually Need
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

Entering Federal Contracting in 2025? Here’s the No-BS Guide Small Businesses Actually Need

If you’ve been thinking about getting into federal contracting, now’s a smart time to move. With over $178 billion awarded to small businesses in FY2023 and FY2025 shaping up to be just as lucrative—there’s opportunity out there. But winning contracts isn’t about luck or spammy bid sites—it’s about preparation, positioning, and persistence.

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Foreign Ownership Rules Are Expanding—Is Your Vendor Network Putting You at Risk?
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

Foreign Ownership Rules Are Expanding—Is Your Vendor Network Putting You at Risk?

If you’re a small business in the government contracting space—especially in IT, telecom, drones, or physical security—your vendor list could be your weakest link. The feds aren’t just scrutinizing what you sell to them; they want to know what’s in your office, who made it, and whether any part of your supply chain touches banned or foreign-owned tech.

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Top NAICS Codes for Small Business Federal Contracts in FY2025 (So Far)
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

Top NAICS Codes for Small Business Federal Contracts in FY2025 (So Far)

If you're chasing federal contracts in 2025, here’s a reality check: the agencies aren’t slowing down, and neither are the opportunities. From IT services to construction to niche environmental cleanup, small businesses are capturing billions in new awards—and it all boils down to which NAICS codes are winning.

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The Email You Should Be Sending Every Week to Contracting Officers (But Probably Aren’t)
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

The Email You Should Be Sending Every Week to Contracting Officers (But Probably Aren’t)

If you’re a small business trying to win more federal contracts, here’s a truth that’ll save you time and bring in opportunities: most contractors are silent between bids. They show up when the RFP drops, attach their SAM profile like a badge of honor, and cross their fingers. But the real players? They’re showing up every week, keeping contracting officers (COs) warm with just enough value, relevance, and persistence.

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Set-Asides Reset: What FY2025's Federal Contracting Goals Mean for Small Businesses
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

Set-Asides Reset: What FY2025's Federal Contracting Goals Mean for Small Businesses

If you’re a small business trying to break into—or stay in—the federal contracting world, FY2025 is going to be a pivotal year. New SBA rules, a strategic goal reset, and evolving compliance requirements are shaking up the landscape. Whether you're newly 8(a)-certified or running a veteran-owned firm navigating VetCert, this isn’t just bureaucratic noise—it’s your roadmap (or roadblock) to millions in potential revenue.

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AI is Rewriting the Rulebook for Small Government Contractors—Here’s How to Keep Up
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

AI is Rewriting the Rulebook for Small Government Contractors—Here’s How to Keep Up

The federal government is going all in on artificial intelligence, and if you're a small business in the government contracting space, this isn’t just interesting—it’s urgent. New AI-powered initiatives are streamlining how agencies operate, buy, and evaluate everything from predictive maintenance to cybersecurity tools. But with the opportunities come new rules, new risks, and a serious need for compliance discipline. If you’re aiming to stay competitive (and compliant) in FY2025 and beyond, now’s the time to act.

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Cyber Rules Are Tightening—Here’s What Small Contractors Need to Know Now
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

Cyber Rules Are Tightening—Here’s What Small Contractors Need to Know Now

If you're a small business in federal contracting, heads up: cybersecurity and supply-chain rules are tightening fast. New executive orders, FAR/DFARS clauses, and NDAA provisions are raising the bar—and if you're not keeping up, you could find yourself shut out of major contracting opportunities in FY2025 and beyond. But here’s the good news: with the right prep, these mandates can actually give you a leg up.

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SBA’s 2025 Rule Shake-Up: What Small GovCon Firms Need to Know Now
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

SBA’s 2025 Rule Shake-Up: What Small GovCon Firms Need to Know Now

If you thought your SBA certification was something you could “set and forget,” 2025 is here to shake up that assumption. A flurry of final rules and executive orders over the past year has rewritten the playbook on small business set-aside eligibility, M&A strategies, and how you hold on to that all-important “small” status. Whether you’re in the 8(a) program, pursuing women owned small business certification, or managing multiple 8a contracts services, these changes have direct—and potentially disruptive—implications.

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